Duff: I'm as excited by Rovers move as I was when I signed for Chelsea

15 July 2015 03:00 AM

Damien Duff has claimed he is as excited in signing for Shamrock Rovers as he was when he joined Chelsea.

The former Ireland international signed an 18-month contract with the Hoops, amid interest from Rovers' city rivals St Patrick's Athletic.

The two-time Premier League champion joins Pat Fenlon's side after a stint with Melbourne City in Australia.

Speaking about his move, Duff said: "I am very excited to have signed for the club. It's great to have it all finalised and now I'm just really looking forward to getting back on the pitch. I am still out with a bit of an injury, but I should be ready to get back training fully before the end of the month.

"After that I will be very keen to get back playing regularly.

"I have always said that I wanted to come back and play in Ireland and I am very grateful to Pat and the club for giving me the chance to do that. Not only do I get the chance to come back and play, but I get to do it at the biggest club in the country.

"I am as excited about this move as I have been about any in my career, be that Newcastle, Chelsea or any other. I left Ireland 20 years ago to go and make a career as a footballer and so now it's great to be back.

And I am definitely not just here to see out my time as a player; I intend to make a positive contribution to Shamrock Rovers and to the league."